Sashless window with meeting rail



Sept. 23, 1969 w. P. FRALEIGH ETAL SASHLESS WINDOW WITH MEETING RAIL Filed Jan. 5. 1968 I5 Sheets-Sheet 1 ATTORNEYS Sept. 23, 1969 w. P. FRALEIGH ET AL 3,468,054

sAsHLEss wl'mmwv WITH MEETING RAIL Filed Jan. s, 1968 3 Sheets-sheet f,

NVENTOI Mum@ P- fEM-Ild 44cm! @www BY wror' @a 614m ATTORNDS Sept. 23,.,.1-969 w. P. FRALEIGH ETAL 3,468,064

SASHLESS WINDOW WITH MEETING RAIL Filed Jan. 3, 1968 3 Sheets-Sheet s /Z'Q- 5g. 95; 5i 97 TTOR NE YS Unite U.S. Cl. 49-413 15 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE An improvement in a window structure is provided for relatively movable window panes, such as a sashless window having two slidable panes or a semi-sashless window having one iixed pane. The window structure is provided with a separating and meeting strip or U-shaped rail associated with one such pane of glass, the strip or rail having a sealing member thereon disposed between the two panes of glass for sealingly engaging one of the panes of glass. There is thereby provided sealing between the two panes of glass irrespective of the relative position of the two panes of glass in the window.

The invention also provides an improved channel member particularly suited for use as a separating and meeting rail, the channel being formed of relatively rigid, structurally rigid material, such as hard vinyl plastic, and being provided with a longitudinally extending, external, preferably integral, flexible sealing member, preferably formed of sott vinyl plastic.

This invention relates to a window and more particularly to a window structure in which two relatively movable panes are provided. It relates more particularly to vertically slidable windows of the sashless type (in which one or both of the panes may be slidable) and to windows of the semi-sashless type (in which one of the panes is xed).

Known sashless windows while providing advantages such as ease of maintenance and installation and lower cost suffer from a number of disadvantages. These disadvantages include improper sealing between overlapping portions of the sashless panes, unsightly scratches on the glass due to dirt lodging between the mating faces of the overlapped portions of the panes, and inadequate positioning of screens, when desired, in association with the window panes.

One attempt to solve the above-mentioned problems of known sashless windows includes the provision of a vertical member known as a meeting rail on the side edges of panes at the overlapping marginal portions thereof. These meeting rails are adapted to interlock to provide the seal. One disadvantage of this system, however, is that the meeting rails provide an additional obstruction which detracts from the appearance of the window and obstructs the view. Furthermore, these meeting rails provide sealing only when the window panes are in a closed position, and do not provide any prevention of undesirable draft if the window panes are only slightly opened.

An object of one broad aspect of this invention is the provision of a window structure in which two relatively movable window panes are provided with an intermediately disposed member which effectively sealingly engages both windows regardless of their relative position in the window frame.

An object of another aspect of this invention is the provision of a sashlesstype window wherein direct face-toface engagement of the panes is eliminated, thus avoiding States Patent O "ice scratches. Overlapping of the panes may also be greatly reduced or eliminated resulting in a substantial saving in glass. Furthermore, eliminating overlapping of the panes makes it unnecessary to remove the panes to facilitate cleaning the overlapped portions.

Objects of other aspects of this invention include the provision of an improved seal between the relatively movable window panes, the provision of a Vertical support at the mid-portion of the window frame, and the provision of a novel channel structure for use in such window structures.

By one broad aspect of this invention, then, there is now provided, in a window structure including a pair of relatively movable window panes, the provision of a meeting and separating strip associated with one said pane and extending continuously along a selected major portion of a selected marginal side face thereof, said strip including sealing means disposed in a plane intermediate adjacently disposed oppositely directed faces of said panes, and adapted sealingly to engage said other pane, irrespective of the relative position of said panes in said window structure.

By an embodiment of this aspect of this invention, there is provided, in a window structure including a pair of relatively vertically slidable window panes, the provision of a meeting and separating strip associated with one said pane and extending continuously along a selected major portion of a selected vertically extending marginal side face thereof, said strip including sealing means disposed in a plane intermediate adjacently disposed oppositely directed faces of said panes, and adapted sealingly to engage said other panes, irrespective of the relative position of said panes in said window structure.

By another aspect of this invention, a window structure is provided including a sill, a head and a pair of spaced apart parallel jambs interconnecting said sill and said head, a track associated with said sill, and a pair of relatively vertically movable window panes, at least one pane being slidably mounted with respect to said track, said window structure further including a meeting and separating strip associated with one said pane and extending continuously along a selected major portion of a selected vertically extending marginal side face thereof, said strip including sealing means disposed in a plane intermediate adjacently disposed oppositely directed faces of said panes, and adapted sealingly to engage said other pane, irrespective of the relative position of said panes in said window structure.

By yet another aspect of this invention, a channel member in structurally rigid form and of generally U-shaped cross-section is now provided, the channel member being provided with an integral longitudinally extending resilient sealing member on a selected longitudinally extending leg of the U of the channel member.

In the accompanying drawings,

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of a double glazed window construction embodying aspects of this invention;

FIGURE 2 is a perspective view of a central portion of a window construction of one aspect of this invention;

FIGURE 3 is a vertical sectional view taken along the line 3-3 of FIGURE l;

FIGURE 4 is a horizontal sectional view taken along the line 4 4 0f FIGURE l;

FIGURE 5 is a perspective view of one end of the meeting rail of an aspect of this invention;

FIGURE 6 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a meeting rail of yet another aspect of this invention;

FIGURE 7 is a top plan view of a meeting rail of still another aspect of this invention;

FIGURE 8 is a perspective view of a central portion of a window construction of still another aspect of this invention; and

FIGURES 9-13 are top plan views of meeting rails of still different aspects of this invention.

Referring now in detail to the drawings, FIGURE 1 illustrates a sashless window construction in accordance with one embodiment of this invention. The window construction is shown generally at 10 in FIGURE 1 and includes a sill assembly 12, a pair of vertical jamb assemblies 14 and 15 and a head assembly 17 An inner set of panes of glass 19 and 20 are disposed in overlapping relationship but prevented from being in face-to-face engaging relationship by a meeting and separating strip (also known as a parting rail) 45 to be described in greater detail hereinafter. The panes are adapted to slide in an inner channel of the sill assembly 12. Similarly, an outer set of panes of glass 19 and 20 are disposed in overlapping relationship but prevented from being in faceto-face engaging relationship by a meeting and separating strip (also know as a parting rail) 45 to be described in greater detail hereinafter, and are adapted to slide in `an outer channel of the sill assembly 12. Conventional associated hardware, such as the window lock 22 and pressure applying means 23 are provided on the frame 10.

The construction of the frame 10 is fully described in applicants copending Canadian application Ser. No. 964,765 tiled July 6, 1966. Nevertheless, a description thereof will now be given with particular reference to FIGURES 3 and 4.

Referring to FIGURE 3, it is seen that the sill assembly 12 includes an outer sill frame member 25, which generally is formed of metal, e.g. aluminum or steel, of inverted U-shaped channel cross-section having an outwardly sloping longitudinally extending connecting web 26, an outwardly facing, longitudinally extending depending leg 28, and an inwardly facing, longitudinally extending depending leg 29. Leg portion 29 is provided with a pair of longitudinally extending keyway recesses 32 and 33, the recesses being T-shaped in cross-section and separated by a median, longitudinally extending flange 34. The keyway recesses 32 and 33 each have a restricted, longitudinally extending throat leading thereto at the exterior face of the leg 29. The sill assembly 12 further includes an inner sill frame member 36, which generally is formed of metal, e.g. aluminum or steel, of inverted U-shaped channel cross-section, having an outwardly sloping longitudinally extending connecting web portion 42, an outwardly facing, longitudinally extending, depending leg 40 and an inwardly facing, longitudinally extending, depending leg 41. Leg 40, the shorter of the two legs, is provided with longitudinally extending keyway recesses 43 and 44, the recesses being T-shaped in cross-section and being separated by a median, longitudinally extending flange 44. Each of the keyway recesses 43 and 44 has a restricted, longitudinally extending throat leading thereto at the exterior face of the leg 40. In its preferred form, as shown in the drawings, keyway recesses 43 and 44 are mirror images of keyway recesses 32 and 33. Leg 41 is provided with an upstanding extension 41', extending above the connecting web 42. Extension 41 is provided with an integral flange 45 disposed at right angles thereto.

The outer sill lframe member 25 and the inner sill frame member 36 are interconnected by a longitudinally extending fastener 1-46 which is formed of a suitable material, for example, rigid vinyl plastic, to provide both structural rigidity and a thermal barrier. The fastener 146 in its preferred form is hollow and is of substantially rectangular cross-section provided by a longitudinally extending roof 151, a longitudinally extending iloor 152, and a pair of generally parallel, spaced apart, longitudinally extending side walls 149 and 150. A downwardly sloping, longitudinally extending partition 153 is provided intermediate the roof 151 and the oor 152 for a purpose to be described hereinafter. Each side wall 149 and 150 is provided, at the bottom thereof with an integral extension 158 of the floor 152, the extension being of generally L-shaped cross-section, and at the top thereof with an integral tlange 161 extending from the roof 151. Each wall 149 and 150 is also provided, at a location adjacent to extension 158 but below the level of partition 153, with a longitudinally extending key 156 of generally T-shaped cross-section. There is thus provided on each side wall between the extension 158 and the key 156 a longitudinally extending keyway recess 161) of generally T-shaped cross-section, with a narrow longitudinally extending throat leading thereto.

The track 165 includes an elevated, longitudinally extending central web 200, an interior longitudinally extending depressed channel 168 (to receive window panes 19 and 20), an exterior longitudinally extending depressed channel 169 (to receive window panes 19 and 20'), and an outer cantilevered longitudinally extending channel 170 (to receive a screen, the frame 21 thereof being shown). The floor of each of channels 168 and 169 is provided with a plurality of longitudinally extending ribs 201, for the purpose of minimizing frictional contact between the channel and the pane of glass slidable therealong. In addition, longitudinally extending keyway recesses 172 and 173 (each of inverted T-shaped cross-section) within the channels 168 and 169 receive separator strips 175 and 176 respectively, by cooperation between keyway recesses 172 and 173 and inverted T-shaped key provided as the base of strips 175 and 176. Strip 175 separates the panes 19 and 20 when the pane 20 is moved to the open position, and similarly, strip 176 separates panes 19 and 20' when 20 is moved to the open position.

The track 165 is provided on its underside with longitudinally extending, downwardly depending legs 78, 79, 80 and 81 which vary in length to conform with the sloped profile of the upper surfaces of the inner and outer sill frame members 36 and 25. In addition, the underside of the elevated web 200 is provided with a median, longitudinally extending depending keyway bounded by spaced apart, longitudinally extending depending projections 66 and 66', each of generally L- shaped cross-section.

The novel sill structure hereinabove described may bc assembled in the following manner. The outer sill frame member 25 is secured to the inner sill frame 36 by interengagement of key 156 in keyway 32, median flange 34 in keyway 160, extension 158 in keyway 33, key 156 in keyway 43, median flange l44 in keyway 160 and extension 158 in keyway 44. Track 165 is then secured to the sill structure in superposed relationship to interconnected sill frame members 25 and 36 by interengagement of flanges 161 and the keyway bounded by depending flanges 66 and 66'. In this manner, sill frame members 36 and 25 are secured together through the use of the thermal barrier and fastener 146 to provide a strong interconnection as well as a strong vertically extending support and a simple means for interconnecting the track 165 to the sill frame members 36 and 25. When the sill is assembled, a downwardly sloping roof is provided to direct water downwardly along web 42, through transverse drainage hole in fastener 46, along partition 153, out through other drainage hole and down web 26 to the outside.

FIGURE 3 also shows the cross-sectional prole of the head 17 which may suitably be formed of extruded metal, eg. aluminum or steel. As shown, the top rail includes an outer frame member 19t)` and an inner frame member 189, interconnected by a thermal barrier connector 185. The outer rail member includes a central flat longitudinally extending web 210, (to which a pressure snubber device (not shown) may be secured), -a generally inverted U-shaped upstanding channel 211 (within which panes yof glass 19' and 20 are slidably disposed), and a cantilevered generally inverted L-shaped channel 212 (within which a screen member, the fr-arne 21 of which is shown, may be disposed). The marginal side portion of web 210 is provided with a longitudinally extending generally T-shaped keyway channel 213, having a narrow throat opening facing the interior of the outer frame member 190.

The inner frame member 189 includes a central, flat,`

longitudinally extending web 215, a ygenerally inverted U-shaped upstanding channel 216 (within which panes of glass 19 and 20 are slidably disposed) and an inwardly directed flange 217 (to which a pressure snubber device (not shown) may be secured). The marginal side portion of web 215 is provided with a longitudinally extending, generally T-shaped keyway channel 218 having a narrow throat opening facing the exterior of the outer frame member 189.

Assembly of the head 17 is achieved by cooperative interaction between generally T-shaped key 186 of connector 185 and keyway channel 213 of -outer frame member 190, and between generally T-shaped key 187 of iconnector 185 and keyway channel 218 of inner frame member 189.

FIGURE 4 shows the cross-sectional profile of the side jambs 14, 15, which may suitably be formed of extruded metal, e.g. aluminum or steel. Each side jamb 14, is assembled from an outer jamb member 220, an inner jamb member 240 and a thermal barrier connector 185. Outer jamb member 220 includes a flat, longitudinally extending web 221, and a generally U-shaped, laterally directed, exterior facing, channel 222. The base of the channel 222 is provided with a narrow throated keyway channel 223, in which a complementary shaped key 225 of a generally U-shaped sealing channel 224 is secured in channel 222. Sealing channel 224 includes a pair of spaced apart, longitudinally extending facing Webs 226, and a window pane engaging resilient sealing strip 227, integral with the channel 224. Channel 224 is suitably formed of a synthetic plastic material, for example, polyvinyl chloride. The marginal side portion of web 221 is provided with a generally T-shaped keyway channel 228, having a narrow throated opening facing the interior of outer jamb member 220. The interior facing wall of channel 222 includes an inwardly directed longitudinally extending securement flange 229. The hidden face of the web portion 221 is provided with a longitudinally extending, substantially cylindrical recess 195.

Inner jamb member 240 includes a flat, longitudinally extending web 241, and a generally U-shaped, laterally directed, interior facing channel 242. The base of channel 242 is provided with a narrow throated keyway channel 243, in which a complementary shaped key 245 of a generally U-shaped sealing channel 244 is secured in channel 242. Sealing channel 244 includes a pair of spaced apart, longitudinally extending facing webs 246, and a window pane engaging resilient strip 247, integral with the channel 244. Channel 244 is suitably formed of a synthetic plastic material, for example, polyvinyl chloride. The marginal side portion of web 241 is provided with a generally T-shaped keyway channel 248, having a narrow throated opening facing Ithe exterior of inner jamb member 240. The hidden face of web 241 is provided with a longitudinally extending, substantially cylindrical recess 196.

'Ihe jambs 14, 15 are each assembled by cooperative interaction between generally T-shaped key 186 of connector 185 and keyway channel 228 of outer jamb member 220, and between generally T-shaped key 187 of connector 185 and keyway channel 248 of inner jamb member 240.

After assembly of the sill 12, head 17 and jambs 14, 15 as previously described, the window is assembled by placement of suitable securing means, for example, sheet metal screws (not shown) through the sill 12 and through the head 17 into recesses 195 and 196. The lower pressure member 23 is secured to the track 165 of sill 17 by screws which pass through the track and preferably also, through top wall 151 of the fastener 146 into the hollow space between the walls 149 and 150. Upper pressure snubber devices are secured, in like manner, to web 210 and to flange 217. Lock 22 is secured, in like manner, to flange 45.

The meeting rail 45 which is best illustrated in FIG- URES 2 and 5 is of structurally rigid form, and is preferably formed of extruded rigid synthetic plastic material. It has a substantially U-shaped channel 46 to receive a marginal side edge portion of the fixed pane 19. Legs 48 and 49 of the channel 46 are interconnected by a pair of laterally directed, longitudinally extending walls 50 and 51. A pair of longitudinally extending, resilient gripping and sealing members, e.g. soft synthetic plastic barbs 55 are provided on the inner surfaces of the legs 48 and 49. A resilient longitudinally extending sealing member, e.g. a soft synthetic plastic sealing member 58 of hollow, chordlike cross section is also provided on the exterior of the leg 49 of the meeting rail 45.

The meeting rail 45 of one especially preferred embodiment of one aspect of this invention may be formed by extruding the longitudinally extending soft plastic barbs 55 on the interior of legs 48 and 49, and longitudinally extending seal 58 on the exterior leg 49 as the body of the meeting rail 45 is extruded. The barbs 55 and seal 58 may preferably be formed of soft vinyl and the body is preferably of rigid vinyl. It will be understood, however, that the channel member of this aspect of this invention may be constructed in a variety of ways, some of which will be described hereinafter.

The meeting rail 45 is not secured -to the sill 12 and head 17, as this would interfere with removal of the pane 19 or 19 with which it is associated. However, the ends of the meeting rail 45 abut the sill 12 and head 17 thereby providing some support for the head 17. This is a desirable feature particularly on long windows where sagging of the head 17 might otherwise occur. In addition, one end of the divider strip abuts jamb 14 and the other end abuts meeting rail 45 associated with pane 19.

The ends of the meeting rail 45 are preferably notched as shown at `60 in FIGURES 3 and 5 to cooperate with the channel 168 of the track 165. Horizontal slidable movement of the pane 19 or 19 and its associated meeting rail 45 is prevented by a ller strip 62 which extends between the meeting rail 45 and the jamb 15 (see FIG- URE 4).

The screen, the frame of which is 21, is preferably formed so that it engages the exterior of the leg 48 of the meeting rail 45 as shown in FIGURES 2 and 8. However, a ller member 64 shown in FIGURES 3 land 4 may be provided to space the screen from the meeting rail 45.

In FIGURE 6 an alternative construction of the meeting rail of an aspect of this invention is shown at 70-. This meeting rail includes legs 71 and 72 defining a channel to receive the pane 19. Flexible barbs 73 are provided on the internal surfaces of the legs 71 and 72. The meeting rail 70 differs from the previously described meeting rail 45 in that the leg 72 is inset to provide an indented wall 76. The longitudinally extending seal 75 is disposed on indented wall 76 so that the seal 75 does not extend appreciably beyond the leg 72. Thus it is not necessary to increase the width of the pane-receiving grooves in the sill 12, the head 17 or the jambs 14 and 15.

FIGURE 7 discloses a further construction of a channel member 45a in accordance with another aspect of this invention. The meeting rail 45a is similar to the meeting rail 45 described above but differs therefrom in that the leg 49 of the U-shaped channel is not provided with soft plastic barbs 55. One advantage of such a construction is that the pane 19 is more rigidly held within the channel of the sash member a due to the fact that there is less tendency for the glass to move from side to side in the channel.

It will be noted that in the window construction shown in FIGURES l to 6 the panes 19 and 20 preferably do not overlap when the slidable pane 20 is in the closed position. This is possible due to the fact that the wall strengthens the meeting rail 45 and the portion of the meeting rail 4S having the seal 58 extends beyond the marginal edge of the pane 19. As a result less glass is required than for a conventional sashless window. In addition, since there is no actual face-to-face overlapping glass contact, there is no danger of condensation between the faces freezing the two panes together to prevent relative movement of the panes.

In FIGURE 8, an alternate form of window construction shown at is substantially the same as the window 10 of FIGURE 1. The window 80 includes a fixed pane 82, a movable pane 83 and a channel member or meeting rail 85. The meeting rail 85 has a generally U-shaped channel defined by a pair of spaced apart legs 86 and 87 and an interconnecting wall 88. Longitudinally extending soft sythetic plastic barbs 90 are provided on the internal surfaces of the legs 86 and 87 and a longitudinally extending seal 91 of the same material is provided on the exterior of the leg 87. The barbs 90 and seal 91 are preferably formed in the same manner as the barbs 55 and 58 described above with reference to FIGURE 5. No intermediate interconnecting wall 50 is provided. It will thus be noted that, unlike the window construction of FIG- URES 1-6, the pane 83 overlaps the entire leg 87 of the meeting rail 85. Thus there is some overlapping of the panes 82 and 83 although the disadvantageous face-to-face contact of the panes of glass is avoided.

FIGURES 9-12 show various alternative constructions of channel members of other aspects of this invention. In FIGURE 9, channel member 95 is provided with longitudinally extending flexeble seals 96 and 97 on both its exterior legs 98, 99 respectively and a tape 100, having adhesive on both faces thereof is provided on the interior of the legs 98, 99. Tape 100 is adapted to engage and grip securely any pane of glass disposed in the channel, thereby securing the pane to the channel. The flexible seal 97 is adapted to engage the screen frame, or a third pane of glass if such pane is provided.

In FIGURE l0, channel member or meeting rail comprises a pair of longitudinally extending legs 116, 117, interconnected by wall 118. The interior each of legs 117, 118 is provided with a pair of longitudinally extending, soft, exible gripping strips 106, and the wall 119 is provided with a longitudinally extending, soft plastic cushioning projection 107. Legs 117, 118 are provided on their exterior with longitudinally extending seals 108, which may be flexible to move into insets 109 in legs 117, 118, or they may be substantially rigid seals.

In FIGURE l1, channel or meeting rail 110 comprises a pair of longitudinally extending legs 121, 122 interconnected by a longitudinally extending wall 123. The exterior of legs 121, 122 is provided with mohair seals 112. Longitudinally extending, flexible gripping and retaining ridges 114 are provided on internal surfaces of its legs 121, 122.

The channel or meeting rail 115 of FIGURE l2 comprises a pair of longitudinally extending legs 124, interconnected by a longitudinally extending wall 126. The interior of legs 121, 122 is provided with longitudinally extending flexible gripping and retaining ridges 114. The exterior of leg 125 is provided with an integrally formed, longitudinally extending sealing member 127 of hollow, chord-like cross-section. The external surface of leg 124 is provided with an integrally formed, longitudinally extending flexible fin 120.

It will be readily understood that the embodiments of FIGURES 9-12 may be provided with a further interconnecting wall similar to the wall 50 of FIGURE 7 and 8 may be used in the window construction described with reference to FIGURE 2.

Referring now to the aspect of the invention shown in FIGURE 13, the channel member or meeting rail 130 includes a pair of longitudinally extending legs 131, 132, one leg of which (132) is provided with an indented portion 132'. The legs 131, 132 are interconnected by longitudinally extending transverse walls 133, 133. The channel member is formed of structurally rigid synthetic plastic material, e.g. hard vinyl plastic. indented leg portion 133 is provided on its external face with a preferably integrally formed, longitudinally extending, sealing extension 134, of hollow, chord-like cross-section. Extension 134 is formed of resilient material, preferably soft vinyl plastic. Each leg 131, 132 is provided, on its internal face with a pair of longitudinally extending gripping and engaging barbs 135, preferably integrally formed of soft vinyl plastic. In addition, each leg 131, 132 is provided on its internal face with a longitudinally extending supporting projection 136, the projection 136 being located adjacent the marginal edge thereof. A pane of glass 129 may thus be inserted in the channel defined by legs 131, 132, be gripped and engaged by resilient barbs 135, and be guided by projections 136. The outside face of leg 132 is provided with a marginal, longitudinally extending, guiding support 137. This guiding support inhibits the application of excessive pressure on resilient sealing member 134 when pane of glass 128 is moved to the open position, i.e. in the direction of the arrow. The outside face of leg 131 is provided with a longitudinally extending, transverse abutment wall 138, against which the frame 139 of a screen 140 is adapted to rest. This provides accurate positioning of the screen.

From the foregoing description, one skilled in the art can easily ascertain the essential characteristics of this invention, and without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, can make various changes and modifications of the invention to adapt it to various usages and conditions. Consequently, such changes and modifications are properly, equitably, and intended to be, within the full range of equivalence of the following claims.

We claim:

1. In a window structure including a pair of relatively movable window panes, the provision of a meeting and separating strip associated with one said pane and extending continuously along a selected major portion of a selected marginal side face thereof, said strip comprising a channel member in structurally rigid form of generally U-shaped cross-section defined by a pair of legs and a connecting web and provided with a sealing member integral with one or both of the legs and being in the form of a hollow member of chord-like cross-section, the sealing member extending less than the length of the leg and being inset therefrom, thereby to provide, on the leg, a relatively highly compressible sealing portion and a relatively slightly compressible sealing portion, said sealing member being disposed in a plane intermediate adjacently disposed oppositely directed faces of said panes, and adapted sealngly to engage said other pane, irrespective of the relative position of said panes in said window structure.

2. In a window structure including a pair of relatively horizontally slidable window panes, the provision of a meeting and separating strip associated with one said pane and extending continuously along a selected major portion of a selected vertically extending marginal side face thereof, said strip comprising a channel member in structurally rigid form of generally U-shaped cross-section dened by a pair of legs and a connecting web and provided with a sealing member integral with one or both of the legs and being in the form of a hollow member of chord-like cross-section, the sealing member extending less than the length of the leg and being inset therefrom, thereby to provide, on the leg, a relatively highly compressible sealing portion and a relatively slightly compressible sealing portion, said sealing member being disposed in a plane intermediate adjacently disposed oppositely directed faces of said panes, and adapted sealingly to engage said other pane, irrespective of the relative position of said panes in said window structure.

3. In the window structure of claim 2, the provision of a meeting and separating strip extending continuously along a selected vertically extending marginal side face thereof from the top edge to the bottom edge thereof.

4. In the window of claim 3, the provision of a meeting and separating strip which includes means within said channel member for receiving and gripping a marginal edge portion of a pane.

5. In the window of claim 3, lfurther including a boxlike extension of the U shaped channel member which is inset from the U shaped channel portion, and wherein said chord-like cross-section hollow member extends the width of said box-like extension.

6. A window structure including a sill, a head and a pair of spaced apart parallel jambs interconnecting said sill and said head, a track associated with said sill, and a pair of relatively horizontally movable window panes, at least one pane being slidably mounted with respect to said track, said window structure further including a meeting and separating strip associated with one said pane and extending continuously along a selected major portion of a selected vertically extending marginal sideface thereof, said strip comprising a channel member in structurally rigid 'form of generally U-shaped cross-section dened by a pair of legs and a connecting web and provided with a sealing member integral with one or both of the legs and being in the form of a hollow member of chordlike cross-section, the sealing member extending less than the length of the leg and being inset therefrom, thereby to provide, on the leg, a relatively highly compressible sealing portion and a relatively slightly compressible sealing portion, said sealing member being disposed in a plane intermediate adjacently disposed oppositely directed faces of said panes, and adapted sealingly to engage said other pane, irrespective of the relative position of said panes in said window structure.

7. The window of claim 11 wherein both panes are slidable.

8. The window of claim 11 wherein one pane is Xed and the other pane is slidable.

9. The window of claim 11 wherein said meeting and separating strip includes means within said channel member for receiving and gripping a marginal edge portion of a pane.

10. The window of claim 6 including a second longitudinally extending wall interconnecting the legs of the U, thereby to provide a longitudinally extending box-like extension of the U shaped channel member wherein the box-like extension of the U shaped channel member is inset from the U shaped channel portion, and wherein said chord-like cross-section hollow member extends the width of said box-like extension.

11. A channel member in structurally rigid form of generally U-shaped cross-section defined by a pair of legs and a connecting web and provided with a sealing member integral with one or both of the legs being in the form of a hollow member of chord-like cross-section, the sealing member extending less than the length of the leg and being inset therefrom thereby to provide on the leg a relatively highly compressible sealing portion and a relatively slightly compressible sealing portion.

12. The channel member of claim 11 including means comprising rearwardly facing bars on the interior face of one or both of the side legs of the U, for receiving and gripping the marginal edge of a member inserted therein.

13. The channel of claim 11 including a second longitudinally extending wall interconnecting the legs of the U, thereby to provide a longitudinally extending box-like extension of the U shaped channel member wherein the box-like extension of the U shaped channel member is inset from the U shaped channel portion, and wherein said chord-like cross-section hollow member extends the width of said box-like extension.

14. The channel member of claim 11 including a longitudinally extending transverse supporting guide on the outside face of one leg, situated adjacent the marginal edge thereof.

15. The channel member of claim 11 including a longitudinally extending transverse abutment wall on the outside face of one leg, situated spaced from the marginal edge thereof.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,122,608 7/1938 Harlow 49-495 X 2,329,791 9/1943 Sevison 49-488 2,494,161 l/l950 Blackman 49-413 X 2,739,358 3/1956 Kunkel 49-488 2,793,405 5/l957 Focht 49-488 2,793,406 5/1957 Focht 49-413 X 2,896,276 7/1959 Read et al. 49-497 2,946,098 7/l960 Migneault 49-4l3 X 2,953,824 9/1960 Minick 49-490 X 3,276,167 `l0/l966 Bus et al 49--496 X 3,385,001 5/1968 Bordner 49-490 X DAVID J. WILLIAMOWSKY, Primary Examiner PHILIP C. KANNAN, Assistant Examiner U.S. Cl. XR. 49-488, 490 

